November 26 | Saint Leonard of Port Maurice

Born: 1676

Died: 1751

Nationality: Italian 

Vocation: religious, priest 

Attributes: crucifix, skull, Franciscan habit

Patronage: missionaries, preachers, Imperia

Canonization: 1867 by Pius IX

St. Leonard was born Paul Jerome Casanova in Porto Maurizio, Italy. His family intended that he pursue a career in medicine but he refused and was disowned by his uncle who had been supporting his studies. 

He began studies at the Jesuit College in Rome. In 1697, he joined the Franciscans of the Strict Observance where he took the name Brother Leonard. He was ordained in 1703 and was chosen to go on mission to China, but was prevented by a serious stomach ulcer that took several years to heal. 

In 1744, the pope commissioned him to revive the faith of Christians on the Island of Corsica. Leonard was not well received for political reasons, and men even brought their guns to his preaching missions to show their discontent. Despite his perseverance and spiritual stamina, the constant hostility took a heavy toll on Leonard’s health and he became too ill to continue there. He continued his priestly ministry in Rome.  

St. Leonard was known as a gifted preacher and he worked to increase devotion to the Eucharist, the Sacred Heart, and the Immaculate Conception. He is also credited with spreading the devotion of the Stations of the Cross, setting them up in over 500 locations, including the Colosseum. 

He died in 1751 at the monastery of Saint Bonaventure in Rome. 

St. Leonard of Port Maurice, pray for us.